Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/694092
before this road returns to the parking lot, you will drop into a small gorge. You can cross Mulllens Creek and explore the other side. These are mostly open fire roads but you can cop a nice view of the Sequatchie Valley from some of them. Now for the Haley Road area. This is usually closed when it is really wet. As previously men oned, Haley Road is about 1/3 the way down Tower Road on the right. It has a gate. If it is open then you are all good. As you pass the gate, this road makes a nice descent to Mullens Creek (On a side note Mullens Creek packs some nice Class IV and V whitewater during the Winter months as it descends from the Haley Road ford to the Tennessee River). This crossing is not bad but be wary if the water is high. The shallow sec on is next to the rapid. Be wary of large rocks. There is another line toward the middle but that can get deep or at least deeper than it looks. I flipped by that pool during a me of deeper water and sunk my YZ 125 over the handlebars. Don't try that one. I will never cuss another OHV a er ge ng towed out that day! As you rise above the other side of Mullens Creek, you will gain some good al tude. You will cross a few sidestreams with cool micro climates laden with ferns. This is the place to be during hot summer days. You will see a few turn offs to the le as you climb. These open up to a nice series of loops. I like to wait to the last turn off as you start to descent into the Sequatchie Valley on the other side of the mountain. Stay right and you will climb back to the top of the mountain. This trail system off Haley Road has some nice ru ed climbs combined with stellar overlooks into the Sequatchie Valley. It usually opens in late May un l closing in late Fall. It is the place to be when the foliage starts to change. A er a few loops on the mountain, I like to work back over the creek and up to Tower Road. A grand finale involves running down Persimmon Road to top off the run before returning to the parking lot! I consider Pren ce Cooper to be a great family mountain with enough intermediate riding to keep it interes ng. The scenery is unparalleled; it is well maintained and o en open. It has a hard close between December 19 th through March 15 th . You can get around some of the hun ng areas during that me but I prefer just to stay away. The be er trails are closed due to being wet. They also have scheduled hunts in April. It is advisable to call before you ride. A recording at 423-658-5551 will warn you of closures. These are usually rain driven during non-hun ng mes. The area is moderately patrolled by the Tennessee Wild- life Regulators (TWRA). My encounters with them have always been pleasant. They love the woods just like us and are there to make sure nobody is ac ng foolish. TN.gov has more details such as specific direc- ons, rules and a trail map. I recommend checking that out before you make the trip. Enjoy the ride and see you on the trail! Bill Pa erson